Ninh Binh Travel Guide: What to See and Do in Vietnam’s Scenic Paradise

With its royal ruins, limestone mountains, caves, and crystal-clear rivers, Ninh Binh province offers nearly everything a traveler could wish for. The Trang An Ecotourism Complex stands out as a must-visit destination.

Covering an area of 1,961 hectares, the Trang An Ecotourism Complex is part of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu’s heritage site. It consists of three main sections: a welcome and festival area, a tourist zone featuring 48 caves and 31 valleys, and a cultural area centered around Bai Dinh Pagoda. The entire complex encompasses 47 historical monuments and nearly 100 caves stretching 20 kilometers from south to north.

Designed for further development, the complex seamlessly blends limestone mountain ranges, valleys, and rivers into a breathtaking sea of greenery. This harmonious landscape creates a dreamlike and romantic atmosphere. Located 4 km southwest of the ancient Hoa Lu capital in Truong Yen commune, the site captivates visitors even before they arrive. Travelers can begin their journey by exploring the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh before embarking on a boat ride along the Sao Khe River, gliding through Xuyen Thuy Cave past rice fields and charming villages.

Within the complex, visitors will encounter a unique system of caves, including Ba Giot (Three Drops), Dia Linh (Sacred Land), and May (Cloud). History enthusiasts will discover numerous relics showcasing the architecture, economy, and military heritage of the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties. Among the valleys, the most remarkable are Tran Temple Valley, May Valley, Khong Valley, and Nau Ruou Valley, also known as the Wine Brewing Valley.

Archaeological excavations have uncovered valuable artifacts such as bows, pottery, bricks, roof tiles, and ancient coins. Trang An is also home to historic structures like Vuc Vong Temple and Khong Residence. The breathtaking underwater New Long Cave is another hidden gem waiting to be explored. Often compared to a "stone garden" floating on a vast lake, Trang An is steeped in legend - this is where Dinh Bo Linh is said to have trained his navy. Every element of the landscape weaves together to create an enchanting and evocative setting.

As a key tourism zone of Ninh Binh, Trang An continues to develop its infrastructure. Once fully completed (originally planned for 2010), the complex aims to become an international travel hub offering a wide range of experiences: historical and cultural sightseeing, eco-tourism, festival and religious tourism, cave exploration, adventure activities (climbing, trekking), recreation, MICE tourism, kayaking, and historical-cultural research.

A boat trip along the winding olive-green river, lined with ancient trees and rare orchids, reveals why the people of this region take such pride in their homeland. The lush landscapes, crystal-clear waters, fresh air, mystical caves, and history-filled mountains captivate visitors from the very first moment. Those who come here may never want to leave…